Fowler starter in CF until he shows otherwise

DENVER — The idea was to feed Dexter Fowler little chunks, to ease him into the lineup. But special talent knows no timetable. Fowler, manager Clint Hurdle confirmed, is his starting center fielder. Asked directly if he would continue running Fowler out there until he showed he needed a break, Hurdle told me, “I would think so. He’s started out there more than anyone else.”

Fowler provides a speed dynamic offensively and range defensively that no other player on the roster can match. The team’s best lineup is when he leads off. The original plan entering the season was to start Fowler against left-handers and throw in a few games against No. 4 and No. 5 right-handed starters when he hit left-handed. But Fowler has shown he can handle more, so he will continue to get more at-bats.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I come to the park ready to play everyday,” said Fowler, who tied a major league rookie record last night with five steals.

Hurdle will still look at matchups, and will be careful with Fowler against the team’s best opposing starters. But at this point, there’s no reason to back him off. What this means is that if you had Seth Smith on your fantasy league team, tough luck. He’s the guy losing at-bats because the opening day center fielder Ryan Spilborghs moves over to left. Spilly is starting in right tonight because of Brad Hawpe’s status. Hawpe expects to start Friday in San Francisco.

In other notes:
–Troy Tulowitzki remains on the bench for another work day. This is the third consecutive season this has happened to Tulo in April. Talked to Tulo today and he’s remaining upbeat. Those who think he’s selfish, don’t get it. He’s just competitive and wants to help his team win. But as he knows, the best lineup doesn’t include him ight now. I would be shocked if he doesn’t turn it around.

–Jason Hammel will remain the fifth starter after his abbrievated outing last night. Hurdle needs to see more consistency, but saw enough to keep him in the rotation. Keep an eye on Jason Hirsh in the minors. I am not saying he’s ready to come up, but he may have finally turned the corner with his strong outing last night for the Sky Sox. If his velocity returns, he will get a shot again.

Would certainly hope that Tulo wants to be in there. Can understand the marriage to Helton, but he really ought to sit down. Todd WAS a great player, so now it’s selfishness or ego (is there a difference). Seems you could put someone else at first. They should decide what they want to do with Atkins as well. I’d sell high and get some pitching.

Jim

Would certainly hope that Tulo wants to be in there. Can understand the marriage to Helton, but he really ought to sit down. Todd WAS a great player, so now it’s selfishness or ego (is there a difference). Seems you could put someone else at first. They should decide what they want to do with Atkins as well. I’d sell high and get some pitching.

Comedy

Oh cmon, Jim. Helton is OPS’ing nearly 900 over the last two weeks. That’s pretty darn good. He should keep playing.

Atkins, sell high? Is this 2007? Who’s buying high on him in 2009?

Comedy

Oh cmon, Jim. Helton is OPS’ing nearly 900 over the last two weeks. That’s pretty darn good. He should keep playing.

Atkins, sell high? Is this 2007? Who’s buying high on him in 2009?

David Martin

Hey Jim,
Who would you rather have at first base? Helton is showing that he is healthy. Im with you on Atkins, but in all honesty all you are going to get for him is a fourth starter (equivalent to Jorge De La Rosa).

David Martin

Hey Jim,
Who would you rather have at first base? Helton is showing that he is healthy. Im with you on Atkins, but in all honesty all you are going to get for him is a fourth starter (equivalent to Jorge De La Rosa).

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.